Why Your Brain Won’t Let You Rest: The Zeigarnik Effect in Productivity

The Open Mind Institute
Jun 12
3 min read

Ever noticed how unfinished tasks haunt you more than the ones you’ve already ticked off?

You’re winding down for the day, trying to enjoy a well-earned break, but your brain keeps circling back to that email you didn’t send, the half-written report, or the meeting you need to schedule. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there’s a name for it: The Zeigarnik Effect.

Let’s dive into how this psychological quirk can either drain your energy or drive your productivity, depending on how you use it.

What Is the Zeigarnik Effect?

First observed in the 1920s by Soviet psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, this phenomenon describes our brain’s tendency to remember and mentally rehearse unfinished or interrupted tasks more than those we’ve completed.

Zeigarnik noticed this when waiters could recall complex food orders only until the bill was paid—once the task was done, the details vanished from memory. Unfinished tasks create a kind of mental itch—an open loop that our mind wants to close.

Why It Feels Like Mental Clutter

In today's world of endless to-do lists, messages, tabs, and notifications, the Zeigarnik Effect can feel like your brain is constantly running in the background—reminding you of what you haven’t finished. This often leads to:

Difficulty relaxing
Trouble focusing on new tasks
Mental fatigue
A feeling of being “always on”

If you’ve ever described your mind as “cluttered” or “buzzing,” chances are you’ve got a few open loops taking up mental real estate.

The Zeigarnik Effect in Action: Productivity Hacks

The Zeigarnik Effect is a game-changer for productivity. By strategically leveraging open loops, you can stay focused, avoid procrastination, and get more done. Here are some practical ways to put it to work:

1. Start Small to Beat Procrastination

Ever put off a big project because it feels overwhelming? The Zeigarnik Effect can help. Simply start the task, even if it’s just writing the title of a report or sketching a rough outline. Starting creates an open loop, and your brain will keep nudging you to finish. This is why writers often leave a sentence unfinished at the end of a session—it makes it easier to pick up where they left off.

Try this: Next time you’re dreading a task, commit to just five minutes. Open the document, jot down a few ideas, or make a quick plan. Your brain will take care of the rest, making it harder to ignore.

2. Break Projects into Bite-Sized Chunks

Big tasks can feel daunting, but splitting them into smaller, incomplete steps creates multiple open loops. Each unfinished step keeps your brain engaged, motivating you to keep going. For example, instead of “Write a 10-page report,” break it into “Research topic,” “Draft introduction,” and “Outline key points.” Each mini-task becomes a hook that pulls you forward.

Try this: Use a project management tool like Trello or Notion to break tasks into smaller steps. Leave a few steps “in progress” to keep your brain invested.

3. Use the “Cliffhanger” Technique

Ever notice how TV shows end on a cliffhanger to keep you hooked? You can do the same with your work. Stop working on a task at an interesting or challenging point, not when it’s neatly wrapped up. This creates a strong open loop, making you eager to jump back in later.

Try this: If you’re coding, stop mid-function. If you’re writing, pause mid-sentence. Your brain will itch to resolve the cliffhanger, making it easier to get back to work.

4. Limit Your Open Loops

While open loops can boost productivity, too many can overwhelm you. If your brain is juggling dozens of incomplete tasks, you’ll feel stressed instead of motivated. Prioritise your tasks and close unnecessary loops by finishing or delegating them.

Try this: At the end of each day, review your to-do list. Decide which tasks to complete, which to pause, and which to drop. This keeps your mental space clear and your Zeigarnik Effect working for you, not against you.

Your Brain Loves Closure—Give It a System

The Zeigarnik Effect is your mind’s natural way of saying, “Hey, wait!” While that’s helpful in short bursts, it becomes overwhelming when you have dozens of “unfinished” tabs open in your life—literally and metaphorically.

By learning to capture, structure, and strategically pause your tasks, you can stop the mental nagging and start using your mind’s wiring to work with you, not against you.

As usual, if you need a little help, we're one call away.